Faculty Spotlight: Eric Garcia

Q1, Where were you born and where did you study (undergrad, grad, post-doc)?

I was born in the Philippines; however, I moved to Hong Kong when I was a toddler and spent my childhood there. I received my BS in Civil Engineering at California State University Long Beach. I went on to pursue my PhD in Architectural Engineering (Structures emphasis) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where I also did my post-doc.

Q2, How long have you been at NU?

This past quarter, Fall 2023, was my first here at Northwestern. It has been short but great so far!

Q3, What courses do you teach?

I teach courses related to structural engineering and mechanics. Currently, I am lined up to teach Theory of Structures (CIV ENV 221), Mechanics of Materials (CIV ENV 216), Steel Design (CIV ENV 323), and Senior Capstone (CIV ENV 382). Throughout my career, I have also taught Statics, Dynamics, Reinforced Concrete Design, independent studies on Masonry & Timber Design and Structural Systems, as well as some Construction-related courses such as Materials and Methods.

Q4, Did you always know you would become a professor? What attracted you to an academic career?

I did not always know I would end up in academia, but it does seem to run in the family. Ultimately, what attracted me to academia was my teaching experiences, as a supplemental instructor and teaching assistant, while I was pursuing my undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Q5, What is the most challenging part of your job?

As I have only been part of Northwestern University for one quarter thus far, I know I have yet to experience what will be the most challenging part of my job. Given the similarities to my previous position, however, I know one of the more difficult things will be coming up with real-world, hands-on, and experiential ways of learning for the fundamental level courses with large class sizes. Additionally, although it is not directly part of my job here at NU, as a parent of two young kids, I know finding the time to spend with them and not miss out on these early years is high on the list of challenges.

Q6, What do you consider your most significant research finding or accomplishment thus far?

My most significant accomplishment thus far was the work I did at my previous position. Prior to coming to NU, I served at the University of Mary where I was one of the founding faculty of their new School of Engineering. We, just four faculty members, started off in a single room with no furniture as our shared office, and we had a deserted old gym and dining hall to use as makeshift classrooms and labs. Six years later, we had a fully renovated building, three ABET accredited engineering degrees, three additional degree offerings, and 13 full-time faculty in one large shared office (by choice).

Q7, Is there someone or something that has inspired you?

My family has always been inspiring me. As a kid, my parents and siblings were the ones that pushed and inspired me. As a supposed grown-up now, my wife and kids inspire me in everything I do. However, if we are speaking strictly about my professional inspiration, my dad, who was also a professor that taught structural engineering and architecture, is certainly an inspiration with the many things he taught me, the great example he set as a professional and as a father, and the unwavering guidance and support he has provided me.

Q8, What do you do for fun when you are not working?

Right now, I spend time with the kids. Everyone tells me these years will fly by way too fast… and they have already, so I do what I can when I can with them. I grew up playing too much basketball all the way up till grad school. I still love the game, but I have started to reach the point in my life where I say ‘I used to play sports’; but who knows, maybe I will pick it up again.

Q9, How do you explain what you do and why it is important to someone who isn’t a scientist or engineer?

As a Civil Engineer, you get to play a significant role in shaping the world you and future generations live in. As a Civil Engineering professor, I have the honor of helping shape those who wish to pursue designing, improving, and building that world we all live in. I do not know if people find that important, but I think the work that our graduates end up doing is really cool and valuable to many people.

Q10, What is one thing that has impressed you about living in Chicago?

I do not know if impressed is the correct word, but the variety of types of food you can get here is uh-mazing. And, as a structures guy, I cannot help but be fascinated by the city’s architecture.